Atenolol

Atenolol should not be used in patients who have a cardiogenic shock (the heart is unable to pump enough blood), congestive heart failure, bradycardia (a very slow heartbeat), anuria (the kidneys are unable to make urine), or are allergic to this product. Don't stop taking Atenolol without first consulting your doctor. Stopping Atenolol suddenly may result in changes in heart rhythm and blood pressure, as well as chest pain or a heart attack. To help prevent these side effects, your doctor will gradually reduce your dose over time. Atenolol is not recommended in children below 12 years. The use of Atenolol could mask diabetes symptoms. So, if you have diabetes, inform your doctor. If you take Atenolol with anticoagulants like warfarin, you should check your prothrombin time on a regular basis.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Atenolol is known to interact with certain bronchodilator medications (e.g. aminophylline, dyphylline, oxtriphylline, theophylline), an antiretroviral drug used to treat AIDS/ HIV (e.g. atazanavir, saquinavir), anti-cancer medication (e.g. ceritinib), medicines used to treat high blood pressure (clonidine, diltiazem, Verapamil), antiarrhythmic medication (e.g. disopyramide), a drug used to treat vomiting and nausea following chemotherapy (dolasetron), immunomodulating medicine (e.g. fingolimod), used to treat a certain heart problem (e.g. mavacamten), certain diagnostic agent (methacholine), used to treat the relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (e.g. ponesimod, siponimod), and muscle relaxant medications (e.g. ritodrine, tizanidine).

Drug-Food Interactions: Atenolol interacts with grapefruit and rich protein foods. Hence it should not be taken with Atenolol. Using Atenolol together with multivitamins/minerals may decrease the effects of Atenolol. If it is necessary, you should maintain at least 2 hours between the administration of Atenolol and multivitamins/minerals.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Atenolol interacts with disease conditions, including Haemodialysis (dialysis), Renal dysfunction, bradyarrhythmia (heartbeat is lower than 60 bpm), Atrioventricular (AV) block (partial or complete interruption of impulse transmission), Cardiogenic shock (when the heart fails to pump required blood to the body), Hypotension (low blood pressure), CHF (Cardiac heart failure), Diabetes, Hypersensitivity, Ischemic heart disease/coronary heart disease, PVD (Peripheral vascular disease).

• Keep your weight under control with BMI (Body Mass Index) 19.5-24.9.
• Do regular physical activity or exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, or about 30 minutes most days of the week. Doing this can help you to lower your raised blood pressure by about 5 mm of Hg.
• Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
• Limiting sodium chloride (table salt) in your daily diet to 2300 mg per day or less than 1500 mg is ideal for most adults.
• Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
• Avoid chronic stress as it can raise your blood pressure. Try to enjoy and spend time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
• Monitor your blood pressure daily and if there is too much fluctuation, then immediately contact your doctor.
• Include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids containing food and drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil to help lower your elevated blood pressure.

• Patients with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), lung disease (asthma) and diabetes should inform a doctor before taking Atenolol. The doctor may suggest an appropriate diagnostic test before prescribing Atenolol to you.